Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is mercantilism?
What is mercantilism?
- An economic policy under which nations sought to increase their wealth and power by obtaining large amounts of gold and silver and selling more goods than they bought (correct)
- A system of government based on the rule of law
- A form of socialism
- An economic policy focused on free trade
What was the Stamp Act of 1765?
What was the Stamp Act of 1765?
A law issued to raise revenues for the British military by mandating the use of stamped paper for tax payments.
Who were the Sons of Liberty?
Who were the Sons of Liberty?
- A group advocating for peaceful resolution with Britain
- A radical political organization for colonial independence formed in 1765 (correct)
- A social club for wealthy colonists
- A military organization to defend against British troops
What did the Declaratory Act of 1766 state?
What did the Declaratory Act of 1766 state?
What was the Boston Massacre?
What was the Boston Massacre?
What did the Tea Act of 1773 allow?
What did the Tea Act of 1773 allow?
What were the Coercive Acts of 1774 also known as?
What were the Coercive Acts of 1774 also known as?
What was the First Continental Congress?
What was the First Continental Congress?
What significance did Lexington and Concord hold?
What significance did Lexington and Concord hold?
What was the Battle of Bunker Hill?
What was the Battle of Bunker Hill?
What were the writs of assistance?
What were the writs of assistance?
What was the Declaration of Independence?
What was the Declaration of Independence?
What was the significance of the Battle of Saratoga?
What was the significance of the Battle of Saratoga?
Who was General Cornwallis?
Who was General Cornwallis?
Who was John Jay?
Who was John Jay?
What were the Articles of Confederation?
What were the Articles of Confederation?
What did the Northwest Ordinance establish?
What did the Northwest Ordinance establish?
Who is known as the 'Father of the Constitution'?
Who is known as the 'Father of the Constitution'?
Who were the Anti-federalists?
Who were the Anti-federalists?
Who was John Locke?
Who was John Locke?
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Study Notes
Economic Policies and Early Resistance
- Mercantilism: Economic principle emphasizing the accumulation of gold and silver through a favorable balance of trade, with nations aiming to maximize exports over imports.
- Stamp Act of 1765: Law aimed at raising revenue for British military presence in America, requiring stamped paper for documents; ignited colonial anger over perceived violations of rights as Englishmen.
- Sons of Liberty: Radical group formed post-Stamp Act, advocating for colonial independence, instigating protests, and later forming Committees of Correspondence to oppose British policies. Notable leaders included Samuel Adams and Paul Revere.
Escalation of Conflict
- Declaratory Act of 1766: Repealed the Stamp Act while asserting British authority to legislate for the colonies.
- Boston Massacre: Incident on March 5, 1770, where British soldiers fired on civilians, leading to five deaths and exacerbating tensions toward revolution.
- Tea Act of 1773: Granted the East India Company a monopoly on tea trade, angering colonists and threatening local merchants.
Coercive Measures and Unity
- Coercive Acts of 1774: Series of punitive measures, including closing Boston Harbor, limiting town meetings, establishing military governance, and mandating trials in England to punish colonists.
- First Continental Congress: Convened in 1774 (excluding Georgia) to address grievances against Britain and promote a unified response for independence.
Key Battles and Turning Points
- Lexington and Concord: The initial military engagements of the Revolutionary War on April 19, 1775, marking the start of open conflict.
- Battle of Bunker Hill: Significant 1775 confrontation that demonstrated colonial resolve despite British victory.
- Battle of Saratoga: 1777 decisive win for American forces that secured French military support and turned the tide of the war.
Leadership and Governance
- General Cornwallis: British commander who surrendered at Yorktown, ending major military operations in the Revolution.
- John Jay: First Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court, contributing to the formation of the nation’s judicial system.
- Articles of Confederation: Adopted in 1781 as the first constitution of the U.S., it created a weak federal government with limited powers, emphasizing state sovereignty.
Expansion and Legacy
- Northwest Ordinance of 1787: Critical legislation that established governance for western territories, facilitating their admission to the Union as equal states.
- James Madison: Fourth U.S. president, key architect of the Constitution, and pivotal figure during the War of 1812.
Intellectual Foundations
- Anti-Federalists: Group advocating against a strong central government and opposing the Constitution, favoring a loose confederation of independent states.
- John Locke: Enlightenment thinker who introduced ideas of the social contract and natural rights, influencing American political thought regarding self-governance and individual liberties.
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